P42 Strut replacement

[Puesta del sol]

I am in the process of replacing my strut on a 1991 P42.

My current strut bolt holes are 5” on center bow to stern. The replacement strut is 4 7/8” on center.

Any other passage owners run into this?
Positioning the old and new on the boat. The stern holes seem to be the ones that do not line up. I am planning to epoxy the old holes With 6-ten (or petite equivalent) and then drill 2 new holes.

other suggestions?

 

[Terry Cox]

Never done it before, so no sage advice. Sorry Keith.

 

[Jim_H42]

I'm curious what was the symptom of needing to replace the strut and where did you get the replacement?

I've checked my 1992 P42 on every haul out and haven't observed any issues.

Your approach seems reasonable.

 

[JoeWhite]

I am not an expert, what of you filled the front 2 holes with fiberglass, then install the strut and install the aft 2 bolts and drill the front 2 holes from the bottom matching the strut mounting holes

 

[Puesta del sol]

I'm curious what was the symptom of needing to replace the strut and where did you get the replacement?

I've checked my 1992 P42 on every haul out and haven't observed any issues.

Your approach seems reasonable.

Was unable to get the cutlass bearing out

 

[Puesta del sol]

I am not an expert, what of you filled the front 2 holes with fiberglass, then install the strut and install the aft 2 bolts and drill the front 2 holes from the bottom matching the strut mounting holes

Based on how the strut fits in the indentation the new one lines up best with the forward existing holes. Going to put those bolts back in to insure good position and the drill aft end new ones.
trying to insure proper angle for the shaft to meet the engine coupling

 

[JoeWhite]

I am curious if you have attempted to remove the 2 set screws, if they will not come out they can be drilled out. A boatyard uses hydraulic press to slide the cutless bearing out. Heating it to expand the area is an option. Some have used hack saw to cut the bushing into pieces and then pull them out.
The strut should be replaced if it is bent due to a line wrapped around it.
If you can save the original stut and reinstall it, it will save you a possible misalignment of propeller shaft coupling.
Let us know what you decide.

 

[Puesta del sol]

I am curious if you have attempted to remove the 2 set screws, if they will not come out they can be drilled out. A boatyard uses hydraulic press to slide the cutless bearing out. Heating it to expand the area is an option. Some have used hack saw to cut the bushing into pieces and then pull them out.
The strut should be replaced if it is bent due to a line wrapped around it.
If you can save the original stut and reinstall it, it will save you a possible misalignment of propeller shaft coupling.
Let us know what you decide.

Yes, removed set screws, attempted self removal, the boatyard… neither successful. No way to remove the cutlass… it is basically fused to the strut.

 

[Puesta del sol]

I am not an expert, what of you filled the front 2 holes with fiberglass, then install the strut and install the aft 2 bolts and drill the front 2 holes from the bottom matching the strut mounting holes

That’s the plan

 

[RitSim]

I had to rebed my strut on a C30 (leaking) . I found that the base of the strut on the exterior was bedded into a pocket and faired over. The inside required my to remove the fuel tank which I did by using a vibrating tool to cut the fiberglass straps over the tank tabs. Interesting that the Catalina drawing was no where's near the poorly done actual. I left the bedding under the strut so the angle and elevation were preserved. However, the remounting did result in a slight angle (left to right) that I had to correct. My exterior bolts heads had been ground down so as not to extend downward. Good Luck

 

[Puesta del sol]

I had to rebed my strut on a C30 (leaking) . I found that the base of the strut on the exterior was bedded into a pocket and faired over. The inside required my to remove the fuel tank which I did by using a vibrating tool to cut the fiberglass straps over the tank tabs. Interesting that the Catalina drawing was no where's near the poorly done actual. I left the bedding under the strut so the angle and elevation were preserved. However, the remounting did result in a slight angle (left to right) that I had to correct. My exterior bolts heads had been ground down so as not to extend downward. Good Luck

Wow.. so far the P42 has very accessible bolts (nut, washer, lock-washer) on the inside. Not the case with the starboard side of the generator, getting the shaft hooked backup to the transmission, and some other stuff… but the nuts and bolts for the strut…. Easy

 

[artboas]

Yes, removed set screws, attempted self removal, the boatyard… neither successful. No way to remove the cutlass… it is basically fused to the strut.

There is a specific tool for this. I believe it’s called Strut Pro. I can virtually guarantee you that if the set screws are out, and you lube the bearing, it will go.
Alternatively, if the strut is already out, just take it to a machine shop. They’ll either press it out, or throw it on a Bridgeport.